‘Council should have briefed us on plans’
Claims councillors were in dark over road proposals
NICOLA FINDLAY
An Independent councillor has slammed South Lanarkshire Council for not consulting with elected members over plans for the controversial dualling of Stewartfield Way.
The local authority have launched a public consultation which will run until December 20 into the £62millon.
But East Kilbride West Councillor David Watson says he and fellow elected representatives weren’t informed of important changes to proposals before they were made public and have been unable to answer constituents’ questions as a result.
He told the News: “South Lanarkshire Council has issued publicity about the plans before passing details to local councillors – despite requests for information.
“From what I can see so far is that plans do not tie in with the original proposals as it excludes the flyover at Kingsgate, keeping all the roundabouts and adding a new one at Playsport.
“I am not sure how this will improve traffic flow entering and leaving East Kilbride.”
He went on: “The Council appear to be dressing this up by claiming to add environmental incentives such as a cycle path, walk way and claiming to make it bus friendly.
“But at the same time destroying the ambience and environment surrounding the James Hamilton Heritage Loch and the full length of Stewartfield Way.
“If proposals were genuine a cycle path and walk way could be added at any time, without disruption to the area and the dualling.”
And he said claims of making the route ‘bus friendly’ will “make residents laugh” as the bus service in Stewartfield is “next to non-existent” as bus companies have shown no interest in developing a service in the area.
Councillor Watson added that he hoped to get more information this week after a briefing session.
Gordon Mackay, head of roads and transportation at South Lanarkshire Council, said the council’s “extensive consultation” hopes to ensure as many people as possible are given the opportunity to comment on Stewartfield Way.
He added: “Some information has already been released online, with elected members being contacted directly as well as being further briefed at an event later this week.
“At that point, further information will be made available online and interested parties will be given an opportunity to offer comment and raise any concerns.
“The proposals are at an early stage and the purpose of the consultation exercise is to gauge public opinion prior to committing investment in further detailed preparatory work. Any matters or concerns raised will be considered following the close of the consultation and will inform the decision regarding the next steps for the project.”